The turtles and Elisa stared at their gargoyle friends in a combination of shock and horror. The coming of the rising sun, they had been reduced to helpless stone statues. This was made worse by the fact that the park they were in was still crawling with mercenaries wanting their heads. Raph looked over at Willow, who had just informed the group of this particular gargoyle trait.
"You could have mentioned this little tidbit earlier," Raph told her.
"Excuse me for keeping my friends' greatest weakness a secret," Willow snapped at him.
"Well it doesn't matter now," Elisa interrupted.
Everyone paused, then nodded.
"Elisa's right," Leo agreed. "Right now, our main focus is keeping the mercs from finding our friends and getting them out of the park in one piece."
"But how?" Raph asked. "It's broad daylight out."
"I can lead the mercenaries away from you guys," Elisa offered. "They only know about me and Goliath, meaning the five of you have an advantage. Once your brother gets back with your… what was it called again?"
"Battle Shell," Mikey supplied.
"Right, once he brings in the Battle shell, load up the gargoyles and get them out of the park."
"Sounds like a plan," Leo agreed. "We can help you from whatever shadows we can find."
"Good," Elisa told him, pulling her jacket around her. "Because I'm going to need all the help I can get."
"Willow, think you can stay with them?" Leo asked.
"Wouldn't dream of doing anything else," she replied, plopping down on the grass among the four statues. "Being held hostage once is enough for me."
Elisa peered through the underbrush, noting the mercs closing in. With no more time for a complicated plan, she ran out onto the path, drawing the mercs' attention before taking off in the opposite direction of the clearing.
"It's the woman!" one of them shouted. "But what about the beast?"
"Forget the freak," the leader commanded. "We can track him no matter what. We'll deal with her for now."
The four mercs took off after Elisa, unaware of the three turtles following them. As Elisa reached a picnic area, she took cover behind one of the tables, using it as an opportunity to catch her breath. The four mercs slowed their approach as they entered the area, the leader scanning over it carefully.
"Fan out," he ordered.
The mercs nodded and spread out through the area. As one passed by a nearby bush, Raph popped out and grabbed him, putting his hand over his mouth as he pulled him back into the bush. The slight rustle of the leaves drew the attention of the other three mercs.
"What was that?" a female merc questioned.
Elisa took the opportunity to sweep one mercs legs out from under them, knocking them out as they hit the ground. She barely had time to relieve him of his weapon before the remaining two turned in her direction.
"Open fire!" the leader demanded.
The mercs started firing at Elisa, causing her to bolt out of there. As they continued firing though, several throwing stars came out of nowhere and embedded themselves in the guns. Both the female and her leader were forced to drop their guns, turning in the direction the stars had come from.
"Throwing stars?" the female questioned. "What is this, feudal japan?"
"Forget about that for now," the leader insisted, drawing a pistol. "Let's just get this done.
The female nodded as the two moved out. The female didn't get far though before passing by the lake, being watched by a pair of green eyes behind an orange mask. Just then, a hand shot out of the water, grabbing her ankle and pulling her under. The sounds of wet punches could be heard before the female was thrown back on land, out cold. The leader looked back in confusion, before catching sight of Elisa running into the woods.
"You don't know it!" he called out. "But you're making this harder than it needs to be."
He then gave chase after her, a cocky smile gracing his face as he did so. After running a ways in, he slowed to a walk, looking around for any sign of her. Finally, he caught a flash of her red jacket, prompting him to move in.
"It's over lady," he shared. "Don't get me wrong, I admire you. You and that freak job took out four of my people. And now..."
Finally he came up from behind, prompting him to leap out into the open. As he aimed his gun however, he was surprised to see it was just her jacket handing on a branch. Before he could react, Elisa leapt out and tackled him into a rock, slamming his hand so hard it knocked the gun out of his hand.
"Hey there," she greeted before punching him in the face.
As the leader fell to the ground, the turtles reconvened and circled up with her.
"Nice right hook," Raph complimented.
"I'm a cop in New York City," she replied, pulling her coat off the branch before sliding it back on. "Gotta know how to defend myself."
"Come on guys, Donnie's probably got the Battle Shell by now," Leo announced.
...
Donnie pulled the Battle Shell up to the clearing where the gargoyles had hidden, arriving around the same time his brothers and Elisa got back.
"Nice timing Don," Leo called out. "Come on, let's get the gargoyles in the back."
"Why do they need our-?" Donnie let out, pausing when he saw the stone statues of the gargoyles. "Oh… Is this normal?"
"Yes," Willow answered.
"Let's get them out of here before those goons wake up," Leo declared.
Donnie nodded as he got out of the Battle Shell and helped load the gargoyles into the car.
"Yeesh!" Mikey let out as he and Raph picked up Broadway. "These guys need to take off a few pounds."
"They are made of solid stone right now," Donnie pointed out. "So of course they're going to be heavy."
"Forgive me for complaining," Mikey retorted as they placed him in the Battle Shell.
Once all four statues were safely in the battle shell, Willow gave them all a glance over, letting out a sigh of relief.
"Not a single crack, jalapeña," she let out.
Elisa popped into the passenger seat of the battle shell as Willow nestled herself amongst the statues.
"I hope you don't mind us tagging along with these guys," Elisa remarked. "But I personally want to make sure Goliath's okay."
"Not a problem," Leo allowed.
Raph then noticed a small problem with their current predicament.
"Uh, Leo? How are we gonna get back to the lair?" he asked. "There ain't no more room."
Donnie grinned, jumping into the driver's seat.
"Guess you guys are walking!" he called out before slamming the door shut and peeling out of the park.
The three remaining turtles just stood there, dumbstruck.
"He ditched us," Mikey let out. "I can't believe he ditched us."
"Come on," Leo ordered. "Let's get out of here before this park becomes crowded."
Raph and Mikey nodded as the three bolted from the park to meet up with the others.
…
The morning rays were shining through the window of Xanatos' office as he sat at his desk. He had his phone in hand, attempting to call Willow. However, everytime he dialed the number, he received the same answer.
"We're sorry, but the number you've dialled is currently out of service. Please try again later."
"Owen," Xanatos spoke up. "Please tell me you've had better luck than I have."
"I'm afraid not, sir," Owen replied, looking uncharacteristically worried. "I attempted to trace Willow's phone, but the signal died in an alleyway off Lairdman Avenue some time ago."
"You don't think she ended up in the middle of things, do you?"
"I believe that at the moment, we lack the necessary information to form any solid conclusions. I can send a security detail to survey the last known location, and hopefully we can find out exactly what happened."
"Do what you have to, Owen," Xanatos insisted. "Just find her, and bring her home."
Owen gave a small bow, then slipped out of the room to do just that. Xanatos watched him go, then reached into an inside pocket of his suit jacket, pulling out a golden pocket watch. He opened it, revealing a photo of Willow on the inside cover.
"Where are you?" he whispered.
...
Willow slumped against the leg of Goliath's statue, snoring slightly as Donnie pulled into an old garage on the edge of town. Elisa had fallen asleep as well, curled up on the passenger seat. As Donnie put the Battle Shell in park, he nudged Elisa a bit, trying to wake her up. She let out a soft groan, rubbing her eyes and sitting up.
"Where are we?" she asked groggily, unbuckling herself and stepping out of the Battle Shell.
"In an old garage in the east side," Donnie told her. "It's where we store the Battle Shell. The gargoyles should be safe here."
Elisa stretched, then opened the back of the Battle Shell, smirking when she saw Willow's snoozing form.
"I swear, she can sleep anywhere," she remarked, pulling Willow from the back and holding her bridal style. "Got anywhere I can put her?"
"Sure we shouldn't wake her?" Donnie asked.
"Nah. After tonight, she needs all the rest she can get."
Donnie just shrugged in response.
"There's a couch we can put her on."
Elisa handed Willow over to him as the other three turtles finally arrived.
"Hey Don!" Mikey called out angrily. "Thanks for ditching us in the middle of Central Park."
"You three needed the exercise," Donnie told them, setting Willow down on the couch.
"Right," Raph remarked. "I'll remember that next time we need to retreat from the Foot."
"I'm sorry, the Foot?" Elisa asked.
"They're-" Leo began before deciding against the notion, "it'd take too long to explain. Let's just get the gargoyles out of the Battle Shell. I have a feeling they're gonna need a lot of elbow room when the sun goes down."
One by one, the gargoyles were removed from the back of the Battle Shell, set up in a circle off to the side. Once the job was done, Elisa slumped against the couch Willow was on, leaning back before nodding off herself.
"I'm starting to agree with Elisa's plan," Mikey commented, yawning and stretching his arms. "I am exhausted."
"We'll nap later," Leo told him, grabbing a pair of old blankets from a shelf and draping them over the two sleeping humans. "Right now, we need to let Master Splinter know what's going on."
"You don't think he'll be mad at us for letting Elisa and Willow crash in the garage, do you?" Raph asked. "I mean, he wasn't that thrilled when we brought April home with us, or that I let Casey know our address."
"I don't know," Leo admitted. "But we'll just have to play it by ear for now. And if he's mad… it's Donnie's fault this time."
"Hey!" Donnie shouted indignantly.
...
Down in the lair, the turtles met with Splinter and explained everything that had transpired. He listened to their tale intently, nodding at the occasional comment.
"And that's basically what happened, Sensei," Leo concluded. "We've got Goliath and his clan up in the garage."
"We also have both Detective Maza and Willow up there too," Mikey added. "They kinda fell asleep on the old couch Don keeps up there."
"I see," Splinter let out, stroking his goatee. "While I am weary of bringing more humans this close to our home, they do seem to be trustworthy. And you displayed great skill and cunning in today's battle."
"Thank you, Master Splinter," Leo said gratefully, bowing slightly.
"So what now?" Donnie asked.
"Now, you four get some rest," Splinter told them. "Come nightfall, the gargoyles will be flesh again, and I would like to see them for myself."
"Oh man, this is gonna be sweet!" Mikey cheered.
...
As the sun began to set over the horizon, the turtles and Splinter entered the dilapidated garage. Elisa was already starting to wake up, Willow doing the same.
"What time is it?" Willow asked through a huge yawn
"About 6:45," Donnie informed her.
Both girls turned towards the turtles, their eyes widening at the sight of Master Splinter. Elisa was on her feet quickly.
"Whoa, I knew the city had a rat problem, but this isn't what I was expecting."
"Elisa, Willow, this is Master Splinter," Leo introduced. "He's our teacher, and our father."
"Right, Chung Li from your story," Willow remembered, standing up as well. "It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Willow Xanatos."
"Detective Elisa Maza," Elisa added, holding out her hand.
"A pleasure for me as well." Splinter replied, shaking Elisa's hand. "Though Splinter will be just fine."
"Of course," Willow replied.
All of a sudden, the sound of cracking stone filled the entire garage. Willow and Splinter turned to the statues with knowing looks, backing away a couple of steps.
"My sons, I suggest you step back," Splinter announced.
"You too, Elisa," Willow added.
All parties obliged as they took a few steps back. They all watched as all four of the gargoyle statues started to crack. Bits of stone skin flakes away around their eyes, allowing a terrifying and bright white glow to emanate from them all. Then, in a loud explosion of stone shards and inhumane roars, the four gargoyles freed themselves from their stony exterior, stretching and flexing to rid themselves of the last of it.
"Whoa..." Elisa let out.
"Aw, that is cool!" Mikey exclaimed.
"Remarkable," Donnie commented.
"Truly, a sight to behold," Splinter said to himself.
Once all four gargoyles were awake and stone-free, Elisa went to Goliath's side.
"Goliath, are you okay?" she asked.
"Yes," he confirmed, stretching his wings.
"I'm just glad the tranq wore off while you slept," Willow commented.
"Sleep rejuvenates us," Lexington explained.
"Call it a concrete cure-all," Brooklyn added, a small smirk in his voice.
"Okay, we've only known you a day and I know you've been hanging with Mikey too much," Raph remarked with a small scoff.
"I happen to think it's catchy," Mikey retorted.
Leaving the younger members of the group to their discussion, Goliath turned to Splinter, wrapping his wings around himself.
"Who are you?" he asked.
"I am called Splinter. The turtles' father. You are the one called Goliath, yes?"
Goliath answered Splinter's inquiry with a nod, glancing over at the turtles with a small smile.
"Your sons are honorable warriors." He complimented. "Formidable, yet kind-hearted. You should be proud of them all."
"I am. They are the greatest gift I could have ever been given, and I am proud to be their father."
Willow suddenly perked at the word father, her eyes going wide.
"Jalapeña!" she shrieked.
"What?" Mikey asked.
"My dad! I was supposed to be back before sunrise! I've been missing all day!" She ran her fingers through her hair, looking completely panicked. "Oh, he's got to be worried sick! I- I gotta get back to the castle before he has kittens!"
"Right," Broadway agreed. "Hudson's probably worried about us too."
"Hudson?" Splinter inquired.
"My mentor," Goliath answered. "He remained behind to guard the castle. As Broadway said, he is no doubt worried."
"We should all go," Donnie insisted. "I mean, if Xanatos knows about the gargoyles, he can know about us, and we can explain why nobody came home this morning."
"You can come too, Sensei," Mikey offered. "Get a chance to meet everybody."
"I… suppose it would be good to get out of the sewers for a time," Splinter admitted before turning to Goliath. "If that is no problem."
"I see no issue with the arrangement," Goliath answered. "Your family saved mine, and have more than earned our trust. We would be honored to welcome you into our home."
Splinter smiled in response as Goliath turned to Elisa.
"I owe you much as well. Perhaps the two of us can see each other later tonight."
Elisa smiled at the idea, brushing some hair behind her ear.
"I'd like that," she replied.
With not much left to say, Brooklyn scooped up Willow in his arms, the gargoyles taking their leave. The turtles and Splinter all piled into the Battle Shell, following after them. Elisa watched them go, then began her own walk out.
...
At the Eyrie building, Hudson looked out over the city, hoping for some sign of the rest of his clan. Xanatos and Owen stood with him, the former keeping a weather eye on the horizon.
"Any sign of them yet?" Xanatos asked.
"Nothing yet sir," Owen lamented.
"And the alley search?"
"Scrubbed uncharacteristically clean for a Manhattan alleyway. Not so much as a trace Willow, or the gargoyles, were ever there."
Bronx brushed against Hudson's leg, letting out a sad whimpering.
"I know, boy," Hudson comforted, petting his head. "I'm worried about them too."
As Owen looked up again, he saw something approaching from the distance. Squinting and adjusting his glasses, he looked out at the figures. Immediately, he seemed to straighten.
"The gargoyles are finally returning."
"Is Willow with them?" Xanatos perked up.
"It would appear so, sir."
Xanatos nearly sagged against the edge of the battlements, sighing in relief as the gargoyles landed amongst the group. Almost immediately, the gargoyles were besieged by Bronx, the gargoyle beast barking and licking them all happily.
"Willow Juliet Xanatos!" Xanatos called out.
Willow barely had time to fully get to her feet before Xanatos pulled her into a hug.
"Where have you been?" he demanded. "You have no idea how worried I was."
"I'm sorry dad." she apologized. "I fell asleep and I didn't even think to call you. Then when I woke up this evening, I realized my phone was gone. I didn't mean to worry you so badly. I'm really, really sorry."
Xanatos just tightened his grip on her letting out a long sigh as he did.
"I'm just glad you're alright."
"Good. So, now that you're no longer worried about me, there's something I need to tell you. We have some guests coming that I let borrow my access card."
About that time, the elevator opened up, allowing the turtles and Master Splinter into the castle courtyard. Both Owen and Xanatos were taken aback by their sudden appearance, though neither made any hostile movements towards them.
"Well, this is certainly unexpected," Owen commented.
"Dad, Owen, these are some new friends of mine," Willow announced, gesturing to the group. "I kinda crashed at their place all day."
"I see," Xanatos observed. "Well… I suppose any friends of yours are friends of mine."
"So you're the famous David Xanatos," Donnie marveled.
"That I am. And who might you be?"
"Uh, Donatello. I've followed your exploits for quite a while now. Most recently your decision to move this castle here."
"I assume you've come to realize why I chose to do it. I allowed the press and the tabloids to view me as an eccentric trillionaire with too much time on his hands, knowing they would never believe the truth."
"You don't say," Donnie replied, turning to Raph.
Raph just rolled his eyes in response.
"I suppose introductions are in order," Willow declared. "The turtle in blue is Leonardo. The red one is Raphael, and the orange one currently acting like he's not listening is Michelangelo."
"Four of the great renaissance artists," Owen noted.
"I approve," Xanatos commented.
"They were my decision." Splinter added. "Renaissance art was a passion of mine in a past life."
"Past life?" Xanatos repeated, raising an eyebrow in question. "I'm assuming that means you were not always an anthropomorphic rat."
"Not always…" Splinter replied hesitantly. "But that life no longer matters to me now."
"I see..." Xanatos said before giving a small nod. "Well, it is a pleasure to meet you all. Thank you for looking after my daughter. Though I hope next time someone will keep me informed as to her whereabouts so I don't spend an entire day worried about her."
"Shouldn't be a problem," Leo reassured.
"Well since you're all here, I suppose now is as good a time as any," Xanatos decided.
"Time for what?" Lexington asked.
"I have a little surprise for you all." Xanatos then smirked, facing the gargoyles as a whole. "Well, for Goliath mostly."
"Me?" Goliath asked.
As he asked this, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was a gargoyle, that much was certain, and a female one to boot. She had light blue skin and wild red hair with a strange golden headband across her brow. She wore a ragged white top and skirt, and when she came fully into view, all of the gargoyles seemed to stare in shock. Perhaps the most taken aback by the she-gargoyle's appearance was Goliath, who looked as though he had seen a ghost.
"It… can't be…"
"Goliath… my love..." the female gasped, spreading her wings and her arms as she approached him.
The two stared into each other's eyes for a minute, then embraced each other tightly, wrapping their wings around one another. Goliath stroked the female's red hair, and for a second, there almost seemed to be tears in his eyes.
"My Angel… It really is you…"
"Oh Goliath… All the days I have dreamed of you, and this moment."
"Hudson, who is that?" Raph asked, leaning over to whisper in the old gargoyle's ear.
"Goliath's mate," Hudson answered in quiet astonishment, eyes never leaving the scene before him. "We thought her destroyed with the rest of our clan."
"Yes, I thought the Vikings had destroyed you," Goliath lamented.
"No, my love," the female said, shaking her head, "I feared for your safety, so I went to find you. But I lost my way and the sun rose."
"But how are you still alive…? Still… Young."
"I returned to the castle to find you frozen in stone. I found the Magus and begged him to curse me as well."
"I found her a year ago, and was fascinated, so I acquired her for my private collection," Xanatos added. "Then, after you and your clan awoke, I wondered if there would be a similar result from bringing her here. It appears I was right once again."
"If you live," Goliath let out, "then I can begin to live again."
The two gargoyles just kept embracing as everyone watched, all of them touched by the happy scene. After a moment, they released, the female looking up at Goliath.
"My love, I have a favor to ask of you."
"You need only to name it," Goliath replied with a small bow.
"Xanatos has told me of property stolen from him during a raid on the castle two nights ago. He seeks our aid in retrieving what is rightfully his. I think we should help him in gratitude for reuniting us, if nothing else."
"Wait a minute, stolen property?" Willow let out, facing her father. "Dad, I thought you went over everything and found nothing missing."
"I took a second look and found several encrypted disks stolen. I've asked Goliath for his assistance in retrieving them. Though he has yet to answer."
"We will help you Xanatos," Goliath decided. "The forces that attacked the castle also tried to take my life last night. Had it not been for the turtles, Willow and Elisa, I doubt my clan and I would have survived."
"We'll help too," Leo volunteered.
"You guys kick butt, but it wouldn't hurt to have some native New Yorkers watching your back," Raph suggested.
"I wouldn't mind working with you guys," Brooklyn declared, slapping Raph on the back of the shell.
"Agreed," Goliath announced. "Perhaps, in the process, we can rid ourselves of the humans who hunt us." He then turned to his mate, delivering a gentle kiss to the back of her hand. "Besides, with you by my side once more, I can do anything."
...
The gargoyles and turtles gathered in Xanatos' office, and after a quick explanation about what a television was to the gargoyles not in the know, Xanatos explained what had happened.
"So how we gonna play this?" Raph asked.
"These locations need to be hit simultaneously, so the retrieval of the disks will not be any harder than it has to be." Xanatos explained. "I can provide you with what I believe to be the best ways to get into these places, but it will be up to you to get out."
Goliath turned to the female.
"We will take the air fortress." His mate nodded and Goliath turned to Leo. "Leonardo, I would welcome your aid."
"You'll have it," Leo confirmed.
"Brooklyn, Lexington, Broadway, you three will breach the tower," Goliath continued.
"Raph, Mikey, you two go with them," Leo added.
"We're on it." Mikey reassured.
"Cool!" Brooklyn exclaimed.
"What?" Goliath asked with a raised eyebrow.
Willow blushed.
"He got that from me. Cool is a word used to express a positive feeling, like excitement, joy, happiness… you know."
"Ah…" Goliath said after a minute, his tone still indicating confusion. "Hudson, you will take the underground stronghold. Take Splinter and Donatello with you."
Hudson seemed a bit miffed about being assigned a team.
"I'm perfectly capable of handling this on my-"
"Take them with you," Goliath insisted.
"Ye think I am incapable of handling such a mission on my own?" Hudson asked accusingly.
"We just feel you could use some aid," Splinter offered.
"Besides, you don't know the city's sewers like we do," Donnie interjected.
Hudson sighed good-naturedly.
"Ye make a solid point, lad. Very well, ye both can come."
"Take Bronx as well," Goliath added. "He needs the exercise."
Hudson nodded and patted Bronx on the head.
"Please be careful guys," Willow insisted. "I don't need to tell you how most humans treat beings that aren't like them."
"Don't worry," Brooklyn reassured, "we can handle this."
"Well, come on then." Hudson declared. "We don't have all night."
With that, the gargoyles, the turtles, and Master Splinter left the castle, setting out on their respective missions. Willow watched them go, then wandered off to her room to occupy herself until their return. Once they were left alone, Owen and Xanatos shared a serious look.
"The turtles are an unexpected variable," Owen noted, "and a powerful one, if the security footage of the other night is anything to work off of."
"Indeed," Xanatos agreed, nodding slightly as he stroked his beard in contemplation. "We best keep an eye on the lot of them. Make sure we know what side they're on."
...
The flying fortress soared high above the skies of Manhattan, parting through the clouds like a ship through water. Trailing behind them, both Goliath and his mate glided towards the bottom of the ship, with Leo riding on Goliath's back. Their attempts to reach it were hindered by the powerful downdrafts created by the rotors. They fought against the currents as best they could, grabbing hold of a long antennae for support.
"Shell of a current up here," Leo commented.
"Indeed," Goliath agreed.
Maintaining a firm grip on the antennae, Goliath used his claws to tear a hole in the hull of the ship, pulling himself inside the craft. He then reached down to pull his mate in as well as Leo landed on the ground.
"Let's be cautious moving forward," Leo told them. "The disk is gonna be under heavy guard."
"Of that, I have little doubt," Goliath responded with a growl.
"If humans wish to throw away their worthless lives guarding it, that's their concern," the she-gargoyle replied coldly.
Goliath blinked in surprise as he and Leo were caught off guard by her lack of feeling. She glanced back at them, but didn't seem to notice the surprise on their faces. Either that, or she simply didn't care.
"This way," she told them, walking down the hallway.
After a short moment of hesitation, they followed her. They marched onward for a short while, then the sound of a pair of guns being cocked halted their progress.
"Hold it right there," a security guard ordered.
The three of them turned, the female with a confident smirk on her face as Leo drew a sword.
"You won't fire those guns in here," she told them, closing in on them with her eyes glowing red. "You could damage the airship."
"Don't bet your life on it, monster," the guard warned as he and his partner trained their guns on her.
"My love, stop," Goliath pleaded, reaching out for the female. "It's too risky."
The female ignored both of their words, jumping onto the wall before pouncing on one of the guards. The other steps back in shock, attempting to shoot her. Goliath ran forward, tackling his beloved out of the line of fire. Thinking fast, Leo used his swords to slice through one of many pipes along the corridor's walls, filling the hallway with thick clouds of steam. Goliath quickly used this to his advantage, carrying the female deep into the thick mist and disappearing, Leonardo doing the same.
The remaining guard ran into the mist, looking around to try and find the two gargoyles and the turtle. Even as the mist faded, the three creatures were nowhere to be seen. As he continued his search, his companion suddenly came flying out of an adjacent hallway, striking the wall right in front of the guard. He barely had time to turn before he spotted the female stalking towards him, her eyes glowing bright red.
He yelped in fear, then a shadow loomed behind him. He raised his gun to fire, but Leo's sword swung out, cutting it in two. Teeth chattering and sweating like mad, he turned just in time to see Goliath's fist collide with his fist. He fell hard, knocked out cold.
"Come, we must hurry," Goliath insisted, turning to continue onward. "The gunfire may alert the others."
"No need to tell me twice," Leo concurred, sheathing his sword.
Wordlessly, the female grabbed both of the guards, hoisting them into the air before dangling them both over the hole in the floor. Goliath's eyes widened and he grabbed her shoulder.
"What are you doing?!" he demanded.
"I am simply ensuring that they won't cause us anymore trouble," She replied coldly.
"No way!" Leo exclaimed. "You can't just kill them!"
"You carry swords and choose not to use them? We gargoyles are no strangers to bloodshed."
"In the heat of battle yes," Goliath admitted, "but not like this."
The she-gargoyle looked at Goliath, then back at the humans in her hand, her expression unreadable. After a few tense seconds, she silently conceded, tossing the guards away.
"Your centuries of slumber have made you weak, Goliath," She told him, stalking off.
"Was she always this...intense?" Leo asked.
Goliath watched her go, a sense of foreboding in his heart as he followed after her.
"No… she wasn't."
...
At the tower, the gargoyles and turtles swooped in low, with Brooklyn and Broadway carrying Raph and Mikey respectively. It was surrounded by a well-fortified wall, but the trio easily flew over it, landing on the roof with ease.
"Man, the magic in this century is so…" Lexington began, stumbling on the last word. "So…"
"Cool?" Brooklyn suggested as he set Raph down.
"Exactly," Lexington agreed.
"Glad you guys are enjoying it," Mikey replied, smiling.
"Well, right now we need a way in," Brooklyn remarked before his face brightened. "There."
Everyone turned to see a steel hatchway leading into the building. Broadway set Mikey down, then cracked his knuckles, grabbing onto either side of the door before tearing it off the frame.
"With friends like these, who needs a locksmith?" Raph joked.
"After you," Broadway declared, tossing the door over his shoulder.
The group descended into the building, landing in an empty hallway. There was an elevator almost right next to their entry point. Brooklyn went to open it, but Raph held up a hand to stop him. The red gargoyle backed off as Raph pulled out a sai and jammed it into the elevator door, working to pry it open. Finally, the doors opened up, causing Raph to smirk.
"Don't wanna let 'em know we're here just yet," Raph explained. "Besides, couldn't let you have all the fun."
"Fair enough," Brooklyn allowed.
"Xanatos said that the disk was four floors down," Lexington declared, getting everyone back on track.
The gargoyles all looked down the seemingly bottomless elevator shaft, wincing at the drop.
"The elevator doesn't seem to be working. Not like the one in the castle," Broadway said, "and there's not enough room for us to glide."
"Why don't we use this rope?" Brooklyn suggested, pointing to a set of four elevator cables dangling in the center of the shaft.
"Exactly what we were thinking," Raph grinned.
One by one, the group jumped out, grabbing onto one of the cables before sliding down. Once they reached their desired floor, Brooklyn hopped onto the ledge and began prying the doors open. Lexington, Broadway, Raph, and Mikey remained clinging to the cables, sharing confident smiles.
"This is easy," Broadway declared, "We'll have that disk and be home in time for supper."
The two turtles went wide eyed as they turned to the blue gargoyle.
"Dude," Mikey let out, turning to him. "Did you just say this was easy?"
"You never say something was easy," Raph hissed. "Ever!"
"Why not?" Broadway asked.
The doors finally open, revealing several armed guards on the other side, all of them aiming their weapons right at the five of them.
"That's why," Raph answered bluntly.